Rand: Comparing Nolasco to Worley

Below, you'll find an unfortunate comparison between Twins pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Vance Worley. But first, a couple caveats:

• The expectations for both pitchers is different, given that Worley was acquired in a trade and Nolasco was signed to the richest contract given to an outside free agent in Twins history.

• That said, Nolasco certainly has a longer track record for success than Worley, suggesting that his early-season struggles for the Twins are both short-term and correctable. We don't imagine Nolasco will vanish after two months, never to return. That said, here we go:

Two previous NL seasons before joining Twins

Worley: 17-12, 3.60 ERA (2011-12 with Phillies)

Nolasco: 25-24, 4.08 ERA (with Marlins and Dodgers)

Early season status with Twins

Nolasco: Opening Day starter

Number of starts through May 25

Worley: 10

Nolasco: 10

Number of quality starts (6 or more IP, 3 ER or fewer allowed)

Nolasco: 4

Rough outing in 10th start

Worley: 3 2/3 innings, 10 hits, 8 ER

Nolasco: 4 2/3 innings, 9 hits, 7 ER

Similar numbers through 10 starts

Nolasco: 2-5, 6.12 ERA, 10 HR allowed

Different numbers through 10 starts

Worley: 48 2/3 innings pitched, 82 hits, 15 walks, 25 strikeouts, .381 batting average allowed

Nolasco: 60 1/3 innings pitched, 79 hits, 16 walks, 40 strikeouts, .322 batting average allowed

After those 10 starts

Nolasco: Needs to cut down on home runs, boost strikeouts and have a few more batted balls find fielders instead of holes to bring his numbers back into line with his career figures.

MICHAEL RAND